Research Assistant (Digital) (Part Time, Fixed Term)

MAA is looking for a part-time Research Assistant to help launch and develop an exciting new initiative to increase and diversify digital access to MAA collections and the histories that connect them.

Starting in 2022, a new Digital Laboratory will develop online content in the form of web exhibitions, blog posts and picture essays, audio and video to bring MAA collections and new voices to international audiences. We will work with scholars, students and communities in Cambridge and across the world. The focus of the Lab’s activity will initially be on Asian collections, but it is central to the Museum’s objectives of increasing the reach and diversity of research and interpretation that we tell global stories: stories that connect the peoples and material heritage of Asia, Europe and also Africa, Oceania and the Americas. From histories of colonialism, empire, trade and migration to thematic explorations of object types and cultural practices, and in-depth explorations of provenance and collection histories, the emphasis is on new connections and new forms of engagement.

You will have a graduate degree and/or research experience in Anthropology, Art History, Asian Studies or a related discipline, and demonstrable skills in researching and communicating on museum collections, as well as proven skills in digital curation and content development. An interest in Asian cultures, material culture and a passion for engaging with the complex legacies of museum collections is vital.

Working with Principal Investigator Dr Mark Elliott, Senior Curator in Anthropology, and MAA’s Digital Communications Officer, you will report to the Digital Laboratory’s Steering Committee and collaborate with other staff of MAA and UCM (University of Cambridge Museums) as appropriate. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing new templates for accessible, provocative digital outputs through MAA’s existing website.
• Working with colleagues and students within and outside Cambridge to develop online exhibitions and content, including development of research questions, storyline and object lists.
• Arranging photography and digitisation of collections as necessary.
• Supporting researchers affiliated to the Museum and Digital Lab including assisting with visits to consult collections at MAA.
• Commissioning digital content from diverse voices including students and under-represented groups.
• Organising webinars and online events.

The appointment is for 24 months in the first instance. Working hours will be 0.6 FTE (3 days a week), with work patterns to be determined prior to appointment. The position will be based at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge.

Further information about the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and its collections can be found at https://maa.cam.ac.uk

Informal enquiries are welcomed: please email Dr Mark Elliott on [email protected] .  Queries about the application process may be addressed to the Faculty HR Team: [email protected]

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or portfolio and a covering letter, which clearly addresses how you meet each of the selection criteria outlined above, in the Upload section of the online application, together with the details of two referees (including email address and phone number, one of the referees must be your most recent line manager). Links to examples of writing or digital contant you have produced recently can be included in your CV or portfolio.

Please quote reference JU31991 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.